When I was nine, my dad was really into making Coke floats and naturally my brother and I were his partners in crime, because to kids there’s nothing better than soda and ice cream in the same cup. But then you grow up and go to college and trade in Coke for cheap beer, and then you grow up a little more and realize that Bud Light is closer to urine than “real beer”. And soon after that you develop this weird beer snobbery and scoff at the idea of drinking anything but some fancy schmancy IPA. Then someone recognizes your new sophisticated taste and thinks to themselves, Man, under all that beer snobbery what you really are is a nine year old in a twenty-something year old body, and what you really need is something that’ll make you feel like the grown-up kid that you are…hmm…I’d say a beer float might do, does that sound right? Well if it does then The Golden State is your place.
Initially, Caroline and I were going to share one pint, but once we got there we totally dismissed that ridiculous idea and instead ordered two. They gave us a pint of Old Rasputin Imperial Stout with cinnamon ice cream (from my favorite ice cream place in LA, SCOOPS) and the second with mocha chocolate. The Golden State doesn’t just throw in any ol’ ice cream in any ol’ pint of beer; no no, people–they think about this stuff and it pays off. The float with the cinnamon ice cream has my heart, for reals. The spiciness in the cinnamon ice cream; the sweetness in the ice cream and the bitterness in the beer made for the most unusual and brilliant flavor combo I’ve ever had. It was amazing. Caroline is more of a wine gal and NEVER drinks beer and she actually finished before me, so that’s saying a lot.
Since we went only for the beer floats we unfortunately didn’t try any of the food. But a few days later I ventured over–unfortunately sans camera– and tried their hamburger. It had this heavenly, thick, applewood smoked bacon on it, and it was served with sweet potato wedges, and a hot dog and was pretty stoked about everything. This is “boy” food at its best and it makes me feel like the cutest tom-boy out there.
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Ummm… Can I say? When are we going? This looks absolutely Delicious. I actually went out just last week when I had a craving for the old fashioned root beer float so I went to Trader Joes, and Ended up with some Hagen Dazs Vanilla Ice Cream, and Hansons root Beer. I actually was in the midst of enjoying when I looked at all the guys around me enjoying their beers, and It occurred to me to mix the two.
But out of fear I stayed away, so I now I am extremely curious and excited to venture over and try one of these fabulous looking Beer Floats as soon as I can get a hold of a free minute. YUM! Thanks for the Tip!
That’s such a coincidence, the last time I tried making beer floats I used Old Rasputin too! I used a creamy french vanilla ice cream and it was great, but I should definitely try cinnamon ice cream too.
Gatta check this Golden State place out now. So many of these small gems around Los Angeles. Thanks for keeping me sharp! Love the blog! Keep it coming.
I was listening to a podcast today- maybe KCRW or NPR- talking about The Golden State bar/restaurant. I was transported to LA for a few brief minutes. And now, after seeing this, I may as well just buy a plane ticket, because that frosty glass has my name written all over it! That looks fantastic.
Food like this makes me so excited, it reminds me why I keep a napkin over my lap.
Great post Ajanna!
Try lighter beers with a fruit sorbet. IPA types with lemon or Belgian wheat(like Blue Moon)with blood orange are the best! So light and refreshing in the summer sun. A local brewpub here in Chicago, Revolution Brewing, got us hooked.
how funny that this is the first on your list of good eats… i just posted my pics from golden state!
have you eaten at animal? now *that’s* boy food! (across the street from golden state…)
Animal is serious “dude food”. Their foie gras biscuit and gravy is ridiculously amazing.
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